How to Make Mouthwatering Peppercorn Shrimp at Home

Peppercorn shrimp is a delicious dish that combines tender shrimp with a flavorful black pepper sauce The burst of spicy peppercorn against the sweet succulence of the shrimp is an amazing combination that will have your tastebuds singing,

Making peppercorn shrimp at home is easy and fun. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up restaurant-quality peppercorn shrimp right in your own kitchen.

In this article, we will walk through the entire process of making this scrumptious dish, from choosing the right shrimp to putting together the perfect peppercorn sauce. We will also share tips, tricks and variations so you can customize the recipe to your taste.

So let’s get cooking! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make incredible peppercorn shrimp at home.

Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients you will need:

• Shrimp – Use fresh or thawed shrimp. Go for large shrimp with shells on for maximum flavor. Tiger prawns, black tiger shrimp and jumbo shrimp work great.

• Butter – Good quality unsalted butter adds richness.

• Peppercorns – Go for whole black peppercorns and coarsely crush them to release their full flavor.

• Garlic – Minced garlic provides a nice punch of aroma.

• Scallions – Sliced scallions add freshness.

• Oyster sauce – This imparts an irresistible savory depth.

• Rice wine – Chinese rice wine contributes a subtle sweetness.

• Oil – A neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable oil, grapeseed oil or canola oil.

• Salt and sugar – To balance and enhance the flavors.

Step 1 – Rinse and Pat Dry Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold running water. This will wash away any dirt or debris. Pat the shrimp dry completely with paper towels. Properly drying the shrimp will prevent splattering when cooking.

Step 2 – Peel Shrimp

For maximum flavor, you want to cook the shrimp with their shells on. But go ahead and peel away the shells from the tails. This will make the shrimp easier to eat later on.

A quick and easy way to peel shrimp is to grasp the shell with one hand, then pull and twist the tail with the other hand. The shell should slide right off.

Set aside the peeled shrimp while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3 – Crush Peppercorns

Place whole black peppercorns in a sturdy plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to lightly crush the peppercorns. You want them coarsely cracked, not completely pulverized into a fine powder.

The cracked peppercorns will release their robust aroma and punch of heat, amping up the flavor of the dish.

Step 4 – Mince Garlic

Peel the garlic cloves, then mince them into small pieces. You can use a garlic press or chop the garlic finely with a knife.

Mincing instead of slicing the garlic will distribute the garlic flavor more evenly.

Step 5 – Slice Scallions

Trim and thinly slice the scallions. Both the green and white portions add nice oniony undertones.

The scallions are stirred in right at the end to inject a fresh, grassy flavor.

Step 6 – Prepare the Pan and Butter

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.

Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium and add 2-3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Swirl the butter as it melts to coat the pan surface.

Having the pan hot before adding the butter will prevent it from burning. The butter adds rich flavor and silkiness.

Step 7 – Sauté Garlic and Peppercorns

Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and coarsely crushed peppercorns to the pan.

Cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute to release their aromas. Do not let the garlic burn.

Step 8 – Add Shrimp

Increase the heat to high and immediately add the peeled shrimp to the pan in a single layer.

Let the shrimp cook untouched for about 1 minute to caramelize the bottoms. Then stir and toss them around.

Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes total, until opaque and pink on the outside. Be careful not to overcook them.

Step 9 – Season with Oyster Sauce and Rice Wine

Give the pan a quick drizzle of oyster sauce and rice wine. The oyster sauce provides a savory umami pop while the rice wine contributes a subtle sweetness.

Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.

Step 10 – Finish with Scallions

Remove pan from heat and stir in the sliced scallions. They add freshness and a tinge of color.

Give the peppercorn shrimp a final taste and season with a pinch of salt or sugar if needed to perfect the flavor balance.

Step 11 – Serve Immediately

Transfer the piping hot peppercorn shrimp to plates or a platter right away. They are best when served warm right off the stove.

You can garnish with sliced chiles, lime wedges, cilantro or chopped parsley to add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Now take a bite of that succulent shrimp cloaked in the incredible peppery sauce…yumm! Enjoy your homemade peppercorn shrimp!

Tips and Variations

• You can adjust the amount of peppercorns to control the level of spice. Go heavy on the peppercorns for extra heat.

• Substitute crab meat or scallops for a tasty twist. The cooking times will vary.

• Swap out the rice wine for dry sherry or omit altogether.

• For extra richness, finish with a pat of butter.

• Add veggies like snap peas, bell peppers or broccoli for the last minute or two of cooking.

• Serve over steamed rice or crunchy noodles to soak up the tasty sauce.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, scallion curls or sesame seeds.

• Add a dash of lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.

• For a Thai-inspired dish, add some red curry paste and basil.

• Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamy, tropical flavor.

• Play around with different oils like sesame oil, chili oil or coconut oil.

• For more spice, toss in some diced Thai chiles or serrano peppers.

• Coat shrimp with cornstarch for extra crispy exterior.

• Grill, broil or roast the shrimp for deeper charred notes.

• For a Mexican flair, use cumin, chili powder and cilantro.

• Serve as an appetizer by skewering a shrimp on each cocktail pick.

The possibilities are endless when cooking up peppercorn shrimp at home. Let your imagination run wild and make the dish your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pepper is best for peppercorn shrimp?

Whole black peppercorns provide the classic peppery bite, so they are my top choice. But you can also use white peppercorns, pink peppercorns, Szechuan peppercorns, or a blend. Go with what you have on hand or enjoy exploring the various peppercorn varieties.

Can I use pre-ground black pepper?

You can, but the flavor won’t be nearly as vibrant. Pre-ground pepper oxidizes and loses its potency fairly quickly. For the freshest flavor, it’s best to coarsely crack whole peppercorns right before using.

What’s the best oil for cooking peppercorn shrimp?

A neutral oil with high smoke point allows the flavors of the dish to shine. Great options are vegetable, grapeseed, avocado, peanut or canola oil. Olive oil can be overpowering. Butter adds richness but burns easily, so use it more as a finishing touch.

What’s a quick substitutions for rice wine?

If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, you can replace it with dry sherry, white wine, rice vinegar, chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water.

Can I freeze leftover peppercorn shrimp?

Absolutely! Allow the cooked shrimp to cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen peppercorn shrimp will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

How long does it take to make peppercorn shrimp at home?

From start to finish, you can have peppercorn shrimp on the table in under 30 minutes. With some prep work done ahead of time, the active cooking time is only about 10 minutes. Most steps just involve chopping ingredients and quickly sautéing everything together. It’s a super easy weeknight meal!

Conclusion

Cooking up restaurant-worthy peppercorn shrimp at home is easy, fun and delicious. Follow the steps to properly prepare the shrimp, make an aromatic pepper